WWE Icon Pat Patterson Comes Out

World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer Pat Patterson revealed he is gay this week in a heartfelt and emotional speech, TMZ Sports reports.

Patterson, 73, made his announcement on the finale of the WWE Network's "Legend's House," and said he's been in the closet for a half a century.

"Sitting here tonight I am going to say something that I never want to say publicly," said Patterson, who is now WWE's creative consultant.

"From where I come from, I had nothing, no family, no money, and I ended up [working] with Vince [McMahon]...to me, that was the biggest achievement of my life," he added. "But there's more to that. Sitting here tonight, I'm going to say something I would never want to say. For once in my life I'm going to be me. I survived all this being gay."

Emotions got high when Patterson teared up as he spoke of his partner of 40-years who passed away after a heart attack.

"I gave my life to the business and I don't regret nothing. For the rest of my life I want to be happy," he said.

The WWE’s Darren Young made international headlines on Thursday after he shocked a TMZ reporter and told him that he’s gay. On Friday, after receiving support from fellow wrestlers via social media, Young discussed his impromptu coming out.